John Barnes insists Steven Gerrard's desire for the Liverpool job means there's no chance he'll leave for Everton.
The Rangers boss has been touted as a shock replacement for Carlo Ancelotti after the legendary boss jumped ship for Real Madrid.
It's an appointment that would be difficult given Gerrard's status as an Anfield idol.
The notion was dismissed by Rangers legend Ally McCoist, and Barnes is of a similar frame of mind.
Gerrard has made no secret that his dream is to manage Liverpool and the former Celtic boss believes that would see him snub Everton.
Barnes told Bonus Code Bets : "At this moment in time, Steven Gerrard won't move to Everton. If he harbours any ambition of becoming Liverpool manager in the future, which I believe he does, I don't think moving to Everton would be a good idea for him in terms of ingratiating himself with the fans.
"Everton have big ambitions - if they want sponsors and a feel good situation to compete with the big boys, I don't think Eddie Howe - as good a manager as he is - would fit that profile in terms of being at a huge club with huge budgets.
"I don't think they will look for a manager as big as Carlo Ancelotti, who is an extremely tough act to follow - but I believe they will look for someone who is proven, has a bit of a profile and knows the European market where they will be shopping in, not the English market.
"For that reason, Nuno Espirito Santo is a good possibility and will be attracted by Everton if he does not get the Tottenham job.
"You won't get a manager as big as Ancelotti, regardless.
"They have to set their sights a bit lower and be realistic about who is available in the current market."
